Southern Vietnam – Must-See

Con Dao Islands

The Con Dao Islands are located in southeast Vietnam, about 180 kilometers away from the mainland. They comprise sixteen rocky islands providing sumptuous landscapes. You will have the opportunity to dive and discover multiple coral species. Besides, long preserve of political prisoners and undesirables, the islands display remnants from that time that you may visit. Nevertheless, the top feature of Con Dao is that every year between June and September, sea turtles nest in its grounds. You may have the chance to see this specific moment accompanied by a ranger.

Thanks to the monitoring program set up by the Vietnamese government in Con Dao National Park, the seabed remains quite intact from mass tourism. Whether under water or on the ground, visitors that have the chance to visit Con Dao, will be surely amazed by its natural magnificent beauty.

Turtles nest on the beaches usually at night. A bunch of turtles dig a hole in humid sand, place the eggs inside it before covering it and going back to the ocean without any hope of seeing their offspring ever again. That particular phenomenon results in many turtles not surviving the way to reach the sea. It takes place on Bay Canh Island, not far from Con Dao Island.

Con Dao is definitely a place to dive. Its seabed abounds in amazing flora and fauna and is one of the most diversified in Vietnam. You may encounter turtles, hundreds of tropical fish but also impressive manatees also referred to as sea cows. The best dive sites are Hon Cau, Lighthouse Reef, Reef Canada, Celtic Circuit and Remora Romance.

The Revolutionary Museum lies close to the former Con Dao Prison. It is the place to grab valuable source of information about repression that was going on in Vietnam for decades. Through good explanations and period photographs, you will have the chance to discover the faces of the government’s martyrs.

Con Dao Prison contains cells where prisoners used to be crowded in. It features lifelike mannequins that are shackled and contorted, often half-naked and very slim. It shows the horrific conditions suffered by the prisoners.

History

Formerly known as Poulo-Condore, the so-called Con Dao Islands comprise sixteen islands in southeast Vietnam. Featuring heaven-like characteristics, Con Dao appears to be an exotic destination within Asia. Its former Malaysian name, Koh Tralach, meant “gourd island.” It was discovered early by the Khmers before being inhabited by Malays and Vietnamese. Marco Polo swung by around 1294 on his way back from China. The Europeans discovered it while they were doing business in Asia. Con Dao has not always been such a paradise but quite the contrary since the French built a prison in 1862 on the main island, Con Son. It was used until 1975, featuring the famous tiger cages – very tiny cages in which prisoners were locked. Con Dao Prison was shut down but the Vietnamese government decided to keep it as a show of gratitude for the sacrifice of everyone who was imprisoned there. Tour groups of former VC soldiers still go to Con Dao in order to see the prison. Some streets on the island bear the names of former revolutionary soldiers that were locked there.

To Do in Con Dao

Con Dao houses a history museum displaying exhibitions about Vietnamese resistance fighters and the horrific conditions suffered by political prisoners during the French colonization. Con Dao also features a national park since 1993 which spreads on 80% of its total surface, including both waters and lands. It harbours a thick primary forest, mangroves, waterfalls and a rich fauna comprising crab-eating macaques, black giant squirrels, and geckos that are endemic species. Hiking is also an option in Con Dao.

The national park comprises 14 thousands hectares of protected marine areas containing sumptuous reefs and corals and an abundant fauna: turtles, Manta rays, sharks and even dugongs, a rare species of marine mammal also known as sea cows. You will have the opportunity to contemplate those underwater landscapes by diving or snorkeling. The best dive sites are located on the coast since the sea is more tranquil. Besides, other water activities are available such as fishing, canoeing, and more.

Con Dao National Park protects numerous sea-turtle egg-laying sites as can be seen on Bay Canh Island. During turtle season that happens from May to September, rangers are hired to move the eggs and bring them to safer places. Visitors can attend the egg-laying if they are accompanied by rangers.

Besides, Con Dao’s long and beautiful white-sand beaches are the perfect venue for sunbathing. The setting is very tranquil and exquisite. Some beaches remain untouched, deserted and fringed with lush foliage. Among the most famous beaches, let’s note Dam Trau, Hang Duong and Nhat Beach.

Climate

If you want to see the turtle egg-laying then you should go to Con Dao between May to September. Nevertheless, the rainy season also happens at the same period of the year which means that the water is quite rough in the east but remains tranquil in the west where the weather is sunny. Waters are emerald-clear and offer good visibility for diving. Between March and April is also the best time to encounter a dugong in the sea.

Dry season happens from November to May. There is no rain at all. It is obviously the best time of the year to go hiking and for beach activities. Until April, the sea may be rough in the western part, where the main beaches are.

So, who said that Vietnam didn’t have any wonderful white sandy beaches with emerald water? Con Dao Island stands as a perfect example. Whether you feel like having a break or discovering something new, swing by Con Dao!